Uber invests $100 million in Atoms industrial AI firm
Uber allocated $100 million to fund Atoms, Travis Kalanick's autonomous vehicle startup. The investment connects the ride-hailing giant with the industrial AI company developing technology for physical economy applications.
Uber has invested $100 million in Atoms, an artificial intelligence firm founded by former chief executive Travis Kalanick. This capital injection supports Atoms' development of autonomous-driving technology intended for use on Uber's ride-hailing network. The deal represents the second stage of a broader financing effort announced in July, where investors led by Andreessen Horowitz provided $1.7 billion in equity capital and included Ben Horowitz on the board.
Uber executives confirmed discussions with Atoms regarding the potential deployment of autonomous systems through the ride-hailing platform. Atoms stated it does not intend to operate as a conventional robotaxi provider but rather supply technology to existing operators possessing vehicles and networks. The company described itself as an industrial AI business covering transport, mining, and food sectors, focusing on specialized machinery for the physical economy.
Earlier this year, Atoms acquired Pronto, an autonomous-haulage company previously associated with Anthony Levandowski. This acquisition forms the core technology operation for Atoms Mining, which utilizes systems to automate heavy vehicle work. Kalanick has emphasized that Atoms' scope extends beyond transportation into mining and food production through specialized machine deployment.
